The Ornithology group hopes to continue their
research over several years. Future projects include the reintroduction
of native plant species that would attract native birds and specific
species studies. To identify the different species of birds, the members
have learned about the following characteristics: feeding, nesting, and
mating habits. In order to best observe the birds, they head out an hour
before dawn to their own assigned plots. There each member sets up his
or her own viewing areas so that everyone can have several different
pictures of each area. Identification of birds would begin immediately
after sighting. In order to best accomplish this, the team would look
for certain features: beak size, structure, beak structure, beak color,
feet color, patches of color on the head or body, body size, patterns,
and the presence of other birds in the area. After identifying the bird,
the team member would photograph it for use in future identifications.
Besides this, they have also memorized the bird alls of several birds
previously sighted in the Jackson County area.
Because it is very
difficult to photograph birds, we have included a collection of
pictures not taken on the farm here.